[DocHoliday]

Not sure I would like V10 due to not very positive impressions. But You have both V10 and ZSR? I would like to see side-by-side pic to compare their shape.
If TRN or ZSR price drops under 10$ somehow, then I will buy them for shells propably. Actually, if V10 shell is "same" as IT03 and better than ZSR, then
I would like to have it in clear shell and paint it from inside with sparlking-green and install wooden faceplates... would look really cool imho.


And then there is still subjective taste and hearing, source gear, amping etc. ....ZS5v1 highs to me are not metallic or sibilant in any way (and I`m very sensitive to highs btw). Hollow midrange could be again subjective taste to what we like to hear and how our brain/ears perceive it. Why I like more "hollow" distant mids and imaging of vocals - because I reached my own audio bliss with open-back headphones and matching gear to it, also like to listen lot with full-range speakers and enjoy live concerts - my brain/ears are more adjusted to this type of "lively" sound and I really enjoy it. And funny thing is - I don`t miss a bit from midrange, details etc., at least I don`t feel or hear so. One may say that I don`t hear all mids "glory" due to "recessed" mids... but I really don`t think or hear so. It`s subjective all the way.
Atm, I`m aiming towards IT01 as it seems to be something I would enjoy based on many reviews and sound descriptions.

My ZSR hasn't arrived yet. That red ZSR pic is a KZ image. When they do come in I'll post a pic of them side by side.

I am listening to the ZS5(i) and TRN right now, back to back. They sound quite different. I can understand them getting "not very positive impressions" because TRN tuned them slightly awkwardly. It appears that TRN focused more on science when tuning these. They focused on decreasing the ear's most sensitive frequency range (2khz -6khz) in the Fletcher-Munson Curve. It's a bit awkward because there is a sharp drop in the upper midrange, but then it attempts to resume things 2-3khz up the line. This causes the lower treble to sound unnatural and causes the midrange to sound distant. Like the ZS5(i), it's not my favorite sound signature, mainly due to sound signature preferences, but I do like it's warm presentation. Whenever I'm in the mood for a warm sound signature I'm not drawn to one over the other. To me they're about equal though they don't sound the same.

My EQ for the TRN V10:

BTW, like you, I hear no sibilance or harsh highs with my ZS5(i). Mine is very smooth. Very smooth with zero fatigue during very long listening sessions.

Fletcher-Munson Curve: https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/fletcher-munson-curve/

 

[CoiL]

Thanks. I also read out of reviews, that they have dip somewhere in higher-mids. my most sensitive area is about 6.2-7.5kHz btw.
ZS5v1 has small dip around 4.3kHz as much I have looked at graphs but I don`t hear anything lacking or missing with my gear pairing.
Waiting for Your comparison pics.

 

[oyobass]

Foam tips reduce bass, not increase it.

Agreed, unless foams are the only way to get a decent seal. Then they will increase bass substantially.

 

[svil3]

Agreed, unless foams are the only way to get a decent seal. Then they will increase bass substantially.

This, indeed.

 

[Strat Rider]

With the cable talk that's been going around, brings a question, not about the iem plugs, but the cable pins.
Background, I mistakenly bought the silver cable with the white rings on the plug, and without any marking for L/R on the cable pin housings or manufacturer on the strain relief or anywhere else. Before I plug them into my ZS6, If I test them with a DMM, which position on the plug is left/right? Secondly, since the cables and ear pieces are keyed, how can I insure the cables are correct regarding the rounded vs squared off end and polarity.?
Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[nkramer]

this is what it should be

courtesy of pinouts.ru
http://pinoutguide.com/Home/Tele35s_pinout.shtml

you can use your miltimeter to do a continuity test to see which is which on the other end

 

[DocHoliday]

Ok so, final thoughts on the IT03 vs ZS5v1.

IT03 is better than the ZS5v1, however it's not by a huge margin. Both are using original ZST starlines as they provide the best seal with the IT03's and work just as good on the ZS5v1's.
- IT03 is quite a bit brighter, reminding me of a ZS6 without the piercing highs. There's definitely a noticeable bump that can be overwhelming at times. Luckily like the ZS6's, you adjust fairly quickly.
- ZS5v1 sounds more flat and neutral than the IT03, but the ZS5v1's have more lows.
- IT03 has less bass, and less mid bass. I find both of these to have quality lows that I can't really distinguish any real faults in. ZS5v1 is a few dB up from the IT03's in sub & mid bass.
- IT03 much better isolation! I wish this was something KZ would concentrate on next. It's such a world of difference not being able to hear the bus in the background even at low volumes. ZS5v1's are poor, same with just about every KZ IEM I've tried.
- Major 'Your Mileage May Vary' warning: KZ has never really disappointed me with FIT of the IEM, but these IT03's aren't that comfortable. ZST era starlines got them fairly comfortable, but the 'sort of custom' didn't really fit my ear. They're getting better over 2 weeks now, but they still can't be listened to well.
- Soundstage I can't really make a quality opinion here. They're both OK. ZS6 definitely had the advantage.
- KZ's IEM's come with better cables and accessories (somehow?).
- Warranty goes to iBasso of course. KZ...who cares, they're only $20 -- buy another.

IT03's are plenty good. I can't find many faults with them. They're a slightly different sound signature than the ZS5v1's. There seems to be diminishing returns as you go higher in price. If you're only using Chi-Fi IEM's, KZ's, you're probably coming really close to the big guys in 2018. Will I be buying any more expensive IEM's? Probably not, but I am going to hold onto the IT03's if they stop hurting over the next few weeks.

I have to tell you, K, upon going over your impressions one more time I came away with the melancholy feeling that I should have purchased more than one ZS5(i) when I made my purchase. It's actually odd that I didn't order a back-up pair when I put my order through. I learned early on to buy at least two KZ's instead of one for at least two reasons.

1) Replacing a pair could lead to a lengthy wait (slow boat from China).

2) KZ has a tendency to silently alter the sound in their best selling IEMs (ATE, ZS1, ZS3, ZS5, and ZS6), so if I want a backup of the original I best order it when it's available. The only time this wasn't the best decision was with the ED12, but I only spent $24 total on them, so....

I am hoping that KZ actually has retuned the ZS5(iii), but only time will tell. It's all speculation at this point, but I'll order another ZS5 in a few weeks just to be sure. Truth is even if they retuned a ZS5(iii) it won't sound the same as a ZS5(i) due to the use of a crossover this time.

This review/impression in particular has me revisiting what a gem the ZS5(i) is, particularly at it's sub-$40 price tag.

.....but hey, if a ZS5(iii) exists, maybe it will be more refined than the original ZS5(i).

Maybe...
Maybe not...

Tic toc tic toc.......

 

[Slater]

I learned early on to buy at least two KZ's instead of one for at least two reasons...

The approach you describe is always what I try and stick to as well.

I usually buy the "backup" set when Gearbest rolls out the big coupon discounts (which can happen a few months later). That's how I got the ZS6 for $19.99, ZS5 for $12.99, EDR2 for $2.99, etc.

Having a backup pair is great for modding as well, so you can have a stock set to A/B.

It can bite you in the rear if a new IEM has a defect and is recalled or corrected. Then you get stuck with not 1 but 2 turds. Luckily, that doesn't happen that often.

 

[Willber]

I have to tell you, K, upon going over your impressions one more time I came away with the melancholy feeling that I should have purchased more than one ZS5(i) when I made my purchase.

Apologies if you have covered this, but have you tried the UiiSii CM5? I don't have the ZS5 (either one) but I find the CM5 to be more spacious and natural than the ZS6, with smoother highs without losing any detail. They are very cheap at the moment:

https://www.amazon.com/Earphones-UiiSii-CM5-Headphones-Comfortable/dp/B07415PGTY

Also, some people on here found a code that reduces them to $8.99. That's a steal!

 

[DocHoliday]

Apologies if you have covered this, but have you tried the UiiSii CM5? I don't have the ZS5 (either one) but I find the CM5 to be more spacious and natural than the ZS6, with smoother highs without losing any detail. They are very cheap at the moment:

https://www.amazon.com/Earphones-UiiSii-CM5-Headphones-Comfortable/dp/B07415PGTY

Also, some people on here found a code that reduces them to $8.99. That's a steal!

Thanks for the heads-up. I was just preparing an Amazon order. I think I'll include the UiiSii CM5 as well if I can get one w/o a microphone. Unfortunately, they've sold out of the UiiSii Hi-805 that were $5.99 for a while instead of the $30 everyone else was asking.

 

[Willber]

Thanks for the heads-up. I was just preparing an Amazon order. I think I'll include the UiiSii CM5 as well if I can get one w/o a microphone.

I don't think they do one without a mic, but it is pretty small and light - I don't use it but neither do I notice it. If you need further endorsement of the CM5, ask @Slater, I think it was his recommendation that got me onto them.

 

[Slater]

Thanks for the heads-up. I was just preparing an Amazon order. I think I'll include the UiiSii CM5 as well if I can get one w/o a microphone. Unfortunately, they've sold out of the UiiSii Hi-805 that were $5.99 for a while instead of the $30 everyone else was asking.

I don't think they do one without a mic, but it is pretty small and light - I don't use it but neither do I notice it. If you need further endorsement of the CM5, ask @Slater, I think it was his recommendation that got me onto them.

Yup, CM5 is 5/5 in my book. It has firmly reinforced my belief in the relevance of single dynamic driver IEMs in the vast sea of the "more BAs must be better" hybrid IEM market that we have nowadays.

But then again, hybrids sell. Look at KZ - everything they are making in 2018 is hybrid. Yet the CM5 proves that a single dynamic can still kick arse.

As far as the 805, you didn't really miss anything Doc. I didn't care for it and sent it back. If I had to get one UiiSii, it would be the CM5 (granted, I haven't heard nearly as many UiiSiis as @Vidal though).

But for the price it's a no-brainer. $11.99 right now, and the criminally-low $8.99 price it was on sale for just a few weeks ago. Let's just say I'm glad I have 2 pairs for when 1 dies

 

[Willber]

^
I agree 100% with all that.

 

[Strat Rider]

this is what it should be

courtesy of pinouts.ru
http://pinoutguide.com/Home/Tele35s_pinout.shtml

you can use your miltimeter to do a continuity test to see which is which on the other end

Thank you much!

 

[rayliam80]

So after lurking for months on this thread, I just want to say thanks to all the regulars here. Since November, I've purchase the ZS6, ZST Pro, ZS3 and the ATE as well as the UiiSii CM5 recommended by Slater. I also saved a bit by resisting "upgrade" cables because of the fluctuations in resistance amongst all the cables as well as the green oxidation issue.

Any ideas about these or something similiar? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...th-Or-Without-Mic-IEM-cables/32786849092.html

I like the fact that these cables are listed in aliexpress under home > all categories > beauty & health > tools & accessories > toiletry kits